Native American Obesity: An Economic Model of the “Thrifty Gene” Theory
用家庭生产模型和超市扫描数据，检验节俭基因、理性成瘾和饮食调整成本对美洲原住民肥胖的影响，发现碳水化合物价格下降可能是主因。
Native American obesity is hypothesized to result from three potential causes: (1) a genetic predisposition, or the “thrifty gene,” (2) a rational addiction to nutrients, and (3) dietary adjustment costs. These hypotheses are tested using a two‐stage household production approach and scanner data from a panel of Native and non‐Native supermarkets. Nutrient intake for both groups is strongly influenced by adjustment costs. Native Americans tend to place higher implicit valuations on protein relative to fats and carbohydrates compared to non‐Natives. Consequently, reductions in real carbohydrate prices over time may be a cause of high incidence of Native American obesity.